The best gravel rides around Hontoba

Pezuela de las Torres acquired jurisdictional independence in 1554 for the payment of one and a half million maravedis, erecting a pillory in the Plaza del Coso that represented the power to administer justice and a place for the town's residents to see criminals who were being sentenced to a pillory. The pillory is seven metres high on a pedestal of four steps and is topped with the heads of four lions. Next to it is the Plaza de la Constitución, home to the Town Hall and the Church of the Assumption, with a Romanesque apse and the rest rebuilt between the 16th and 18th centuries. It has a curious stately doorway from 1748 and a 16th century porticoed gallery, known as El Portalillo, the former meeting centre of the council. Most of the town's streets are on a slope, facing the plain, some houses retain the traditional two-storey country architecture and white facades. On Cerro del Calvario there are remains of traditional wineries used to make wine.

Its history dates back to 1554. Pezuela had one hundred and eighty residents. The Council collected a million and a half maravedíes that ended up in the hands of King Carlos I in exchange for being able to have jurisdiction. On the occasion of this event, to commemorate and warn all travelers that Pezuela had achieved the power to administer justice for itself and that it was now a Villa, the Picota was ordered to be erected, a stone monument that was usually placed in the public square or at a crossroads. There are many legends of torture in Pezuela de las Torres. They all took place in the town square. In the past, the pillory was an instrument that was used to torture, place prisoners for public ridicule or expose a person's head after their execution. In it, major and minor penalties were paid for common criminals, who, after being whipped, were exposed to public shame. It had an exemplary character and had to be visited by the people when there were sentences. In addition to capital punishment, the exposure of public shame was frequent: the condemned had to endure the outbursts of the neighbors in addition to suffering the throwing of things that were within their reach (rocks, excrement or whatever they had at hand). That's where, in fact, the term pillorying or empicotar comes from. Although it was not the only one in the region, Pezuela today is one of the most important in the Community of Madrid. Source: https://elresurgirdemadrid.com/pezuela-de-las-torres-plaza-picota/

In restoration works, it presents a beautiful appearance

at the exit of Anchuelo

Great bar next to the church, to eat or snack and accompany it with Mondejar wine

The castle of Almoguera dates from the 15th century, although it was built on the ruins of an old Arab fortification. Little remains of this medieval construction, as the current castle is a reconstruction from the end of the 20th century.

The church dedicated to San Pedro is from the 13th century but important reforms were carried out in it during the 15th century, the main nave was redone and two other lateral ones were added, for example. It preserves its original Romanesque head, the belfry and the presbytery. Inside, don't miss the Gothic ornaments, the Mudejar pair and knuckle armor; and the small ivory carving of the Virgen de los Llanos. It was declared B.I.C with the category of Monument in 1990.

Interesting work of the s. XV, which allows us to appreciate how a castle was arranged when the use of artillery had already been imposed: harquebuses and cannons. It is erected on a plain, and preserves both its interior and towers, as well as the outer enclosure and the moat. Free access to the outside. To visit the interior, contact the Pioz town hall, telephone 949.272.076.